2014 was another successful year for the SEMI Foundation as we continued to have a measurable impact on our expanding community of partners. We delivered 17 SEMI High Tech U programs in Austria, France, Japan, Korea and the United States — in the process directly influencing and inspiring nearly 600 students and teachers. Since 2001, the Foundation has delivered 176 programs to over 6,000 students and teachers worldwide. In 2014, we attracted new sponsors, maintained existing sponsorship support, and expanded into new regions. Ten new companies and organizations joined the SEMI Foundation’s existing High Tech U family, by generously offering financial support, in-kind donations and volunteering at High Tech U events.

The Key to Success: Our Industry Driven Model

We are often asked how the SEMI Foundation has been able to grow and take root over the past 13 years. There’s a simple explanation: we have developed a model that builds on the power of a core stakeholder group, and incorporated it into our planning and delivery process. By involving industry, the education community, local government and parents, we have been able to create a program with a strong focus on STEM activities. Our model is truly industry driven.

Financial Support and Volunteer Instructors Are Essential

Continuing financial support from industry, while essential, does not by itself turn high school students into tomorrow’s high-tech workforce. A large amount of credit goes to the volunteer instructors who help deliver our curriculum — in the process giving students the opportunity to interact with real-life engineers and other professionals. It’s the combination of financial and teaching support from our industry partners that makes our program truly industry driven. In 2014, new companies that joined the SEMI High Tech U family included Ebara Technologies, Fairchild Semiconductor, Lockheed Martin, VWR Foundation and Western Digital

Higher Education Connection

Our special relationships with colleges and universities are also an important element of our successful model. They are another example of the Foundation’s commitment to establishing partnerships that are mutually rewarding. Because of these partnerships, students are able to visit colleges and universities during their SEMI High Tech U experience. This adds value, providing them with the opportunity to get a taste of college life, while participating in labs and other activities on campus. Other times, college representatives will visit students at High Tech U programs taking place at industry locations. In 2014, UC Davis joined a distinguished group of existing educational partners that include Alpen Adria Universität Klagenfurt, FH Kärnten, Hudson Valley Community College, Gateway Community College, INP Grenoble, Lower Columbia College, Paedago - gischen Hochschule Kärnten, Portland Community College, Rensaleer Polytechnic Institute, San Jose State University, Schenectady County Community College, Texas State University, San Marcos and University of Albany SUNY.

Partnering with Parents

Finally, we have understood from the beginning that parents are a very important part of the equation. Beginning with a Parent/Student evening held prior to each High Tech U, we build parental support by talking about the High Tech U curriculum, and what their children will experience during the program. We also invite parents and family members to a High Tech U graduation ceremony — a fun, high-energy way to celebrate and reinforce the accomplishments of their children.

SEMI High Tech U provides secondary school students with an intensive three/four day, industry-led introduction to the high tech industry, potential career paths and education requirements to meet their goals.

Students and teachers participate in hands-on activities that focus on topics including statistics, nanotechnology, solar and alternative energy technologies, electronics and mathematics. Students also work on soft skills and participate in mock job interviews with industry professionals. Students also have the opportunity to find out about local college and university options.

Students who attend SEMI High Tech U are 13-17. Applicants do not have to be an "A" student. All secondary students who have an interest in high-tech are encouraged to apply. There is no cost for a student to attend.

Teachers who are interested in attending SEMI High Tech U Teacher Edition should contact the SEMI Foundation at semifoundation@semi.org for more information.

To find out more about SEMI High Tech U, watch our SEMI High Tech U overview video below. More HTU videos can also be viewed on our YouTube Channel by clicking on the YouTube logo below.

SEMI Foundation & High Tech U Publications

To download the SEMI Foundation publications in PDF format, click on the cover images or their titles.